Monday, April 11, 2016

The Merrimack River trail race celebrated the 25th
running with a perfect sunny and cool day. The field was arguably the deepest
ever as the race was part of the USATF NE All-terrain series and named the USATF
NE trail running championships. It also remains as the first event of the year
in the WMAC “Grand Tree” Trail series.

On the men’s side 23 runners dipped under 1:05 (the old
record was 14) and 8 ran under 1 hour (the old record was 4). On the women’s
side 15 came in under 1:20 (old record was 12) and 5 broke 1:10 (old record was
3).

The women broke a number of records with Kim Nedeau (Acidotic
Racing) leading the way with a new course record by 24 seconds (1:05:08). Kim
also set a sub-masters record (age 35-39). Kath Hardcastle ran the third
fastest time ever as the top four women ran times ranking in the top 11
all-time. Regina Loicano (CMS) broke her own masters age group record by 20
seconds (1:09:52). Marcy Schwam (aR) set a new 60+ AGR by 50 seconds
(1:38:41).

On the men’s side Brandon Newbould (WRT) became only the
fifth repeat winner (he also won in 2014). His 6 second victory (57:39) was the
3rd closest finish. The two closer finishes are the two times I got
2nd place. Ben Nephew beat me by 3 seconds in 2000 and Craig Fram
got me by 1 second in 1995. Newbould’s time was the 11st fastest and the next
four across the line all scored top 25 all-time times (14, 18, 20, and 23
respectively). Although no men’s age group records were set there were some
fast times. Patrick Caron ran the 3rd fastest in the 19&Under
(64:01). Mike Galoob (BAA) became only the 2nd master to run under 1
hour (59:48) trailing only Tim Van Orden’s CR of 59:29. The top three masters
all had times that rank in the top 10 all-time. Dan Verrington (CMS) ran the
2nd fastest 50+ (1:07:30) and the first three seniors times all
ranked in the top 7 all-time. Jeff Saeger (TARC) and Bob Gillis (TG) finished
within one second (1:19:35 & 1:19:36) running the 9th and
10th fastest Veterans times. George Gilder ran the 2nd
fastest 70+ time (1:34:37) trailing only his AGR by 26 seconds.

Jenn Brooks (CMS), Gary Jewett (TG), David Sorrells, Stephen
Whittey (TG), and Kevin Yetman (MVS) joined the exclusive “100 mile club” with
their 10th Merrimack River trail race finish. Paul Comeau became the
third member of the “200 mile club” with his 20th finish.